Diplomat.Sy

Syria Joins Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS: Joint U.S.-Saudi Statement Welcomes Agreement with SDF

Riyadh – February 10, 2026

The governments of the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia issued a joint statement following Riyadh's hosting of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS Small Group meeting, announcing major strategic developments regarding the Syrian file. The meeting, co-chaired by Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khereiji and U.S. Envoy Tom Barrack, witnessed broad a welcome for the Syrian government officially becoming the 90th member of the International Coalition, praising its declared intent to assume national leadership of counter-ISIS efforts on its territory.

Participants welcomed the comprehensive agreement concluded between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which includes a permanent ceasefire and arrangements for civil and military integration in northeast Syria, expressing appreciation for the sacrifices made by the SDF in confronting the organization. The statement also affirmed the Coalition's support for Damascus's steps in assuming responsibility for detention facilities and displaced persons' camps, emphasizing the necessity for countries to repatriate their citizens—ISIS fighters and their families—from the Al-Hol and Roj camps, and ensuring the transfer of detainees and the reintegration of families into their home communities with dignity.

Coalition defense officials highlighted the close coordination between diplomatic and military tracks, affirming the commitment of Coalition members to work side-by-side with the Syrian government and provide direct support to its efforts and those of the Iraqi government to ensure a sustainable defeat of the organization. The statement praised Iraq's leadership in the campaign, considering that the assumption of responsibility by Damascus and Baghdad for detainee files represents a fundamental pillar of regional security. This paves the way for a new phase of direct international coordination with the Syrian government to ensure regional stability and prevent the resurgence of terrorist threats.

Photo - FB / U.S. Embassy Syria

Abkhazian Embassy Delegation Visits Damascus International Book Fair, Highlighting Cultural Ties

A delegation from the Embassy of the Republic of Abkhazia in Damascus, led by Ambassador Muhammad Ali and Minister Plenipotentiary Ghaith Al-Haraki, conducted an official visit to the Damascus International Book Fair, organized by the Syrian Ministry of Culture at the Damascus Fairgrounds.

The delegation toured various pavilions, exploring the latest literary and intellectual publications, and attended a folkloric dance performance by the Circassian Charity Association troupe, a move that highlights the cultural blend and close social ties between the two nations.

On the sidelines of the visit, the Abkhazian delegation held bilateral meetings with the Minister of Culture, Mr. Mohammad Yassin Saleh, and the Director of the Syrian Establishment for Establishments and International Fairs, Mr. Mohammad Hamzah, along with officials from the General Secretariat for Political Affairs.

Discussions focused on the importance of cultural exchange as a bridge for strengthening diplomatic and grassroots relations, and the role of international exhibitions in revitalizing intellectual and tourism activity. This reflects Syria's cultural recovery and its ongoing openness to fostering partnerships with friendly nations across various creative and organizational fields.

Photo -FB / سفارة جمهورية أبخازيا في الجمهورية العربية السورية

Syrian-Italian Cooperation in Damascus: University of Venice Discusses Urban Development Program

A specialized technical workshop commenced today in Damascus, bringing together experts from the Damascus Governorate and an Italian academic and technical delegation from the University of Venice, in the presence of the Governor of Damascus, Mr. Maher Marwan Edelbi.

This meeting aims to discuss the features of the urban development program for the city of Damascus, reflecting international interest in the architectural and planning identity of the Syrian capital and the pursuit of developing its infrastructure in accordance with global aesthetic and engineering standards.

The discussions during the workshop focused on exchanging technical perspectives regarding sustainable urban expansion mechanisms and the restoration of the city's urban fabric, while drawing on prestigious Italian expertise in preserving and developing historic cities.

Governor Edelbi emphasized the importance of this academic and technical cooperation in formulating modern urban strategies that preserve the heritage of Damascus while simultaneously meeting population and service growth needs. He noted that the partnership with the University of Venice represents a significant window for integrating smart and sustainable solutions into the future urban development plans of the capital.

Syrian Ministry of Interior Participates in World Defense Show 2026 in Arabia

An official delegation from the Syrian Ministry of Interior participated in the "World Defense Show 2026," organized by the General Authority for Military Industries in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

This participation comes as part of the ministry's efforts to strengthen institutional relations with regional and international partners, following a vision aimed at methodical openness to the latest advanced international experiences in the fields of security and defense to serve the modernization and development strategies of the security sector in the Syrian Arab Republic.

During the exhibition, the Syrian delegation reviewed the latest security technology systems and innovative defense solutions showcased by major global companies.

The participation focused on exploring ways to utilize these technologies in developing police work, combating crime, and enhancing public safety. This Syrian presence at major regional defense forums represents a further step toward deepening security and technical coordination with the Saudi side, while keeping pace with rapid developments in the global security industry to ensure the efficiency of the national security system in facing future challenges.

Photo : X/syrianmoi

Tokyo Supports Syrian Recovery: Japanese Grant Worth Billions of Yen to Bolster Energy Sector

An official signing ceremony was held in Damascus today for a new financial grant provided by the Japanese government to the Syrian Arab Republic, in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The grant, valued at 1.952 billion Japanese Yen, is specifically allocated to support vital projects aimed at stabilizing energy supplies in conflict-affected areas, as part of international efforts to improve humanitarian and living conditions for the population.

The Japanese Embassy stated that this move represents a fundamental step on the path toward Syria's recovery, as securing sustainable energy will facilitate the operation of service, medical, and educational facilities, thereby positively impacting the general humanitarian situation in the country.

This grant is part of Japan’s strategy to support early recovery projects, emphasizing that a stable energy sector is a primary driver for supporting local community stability and providing a conducive environment for rehabilitation and sustainable development in the coming phase.

Photo - X/ JPEmbassy_Syria

Advancing Air Transport Horizons: Syrian Civil Aviation Chief and Saudi Ambassador Discuss Implementation

The Head of the General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport, Mr. Omar Al-Hosari, held an extensive meeting with His Excellency the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Syrian Arab Republic, Faisal bin Saud Al-Mujfel, at the Authority's headquarters in Damascus.
The meeting, attended by the Deputy Head of the Authority, Mr. Abdul Bari Al-Saj, focused on establishing timelines and technical mechanisms for implementing the recently signed aviation agreements between the two countries, signaling a serious commitment to elevating air connectivity.

During the meeting, both parties reviewed ways to strengthen joint coordination in technical and operational fields, with a focus on exchanging expertise to improve the efficiency of the civil aviation sector in both nations.
The attendees emphasized that bolstering air transport between Damascus and Riyadh will serve as a vital artery supporting economic growth and facilitating the movement of passengers and cargo. They further stressed the importance of ongoing technical meetings between experts from both sides to ensure the alignment of operational standards and the development of aerial services in line with the mutual aspirations of the Syrian Arab Republic and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Foto - FB / SyrGACA

Minister Al-Shaibani and Prince Faisal bin Farhan Discuss Strengthening Bilateral Relations

The Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Mr. Asaad Hasan Al-Shaibani, held a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan, in the Saudi capital, Riyadh.
The meeting involved an in-depth review of the latest regional and international developments, focusing on files of mutual interest to both brotherly countries amidst the rapid transformations occurring in the region.

The two sides discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations and develop prospects for cooperation across various fields, serving mutual interests and contributing to the strengthening of joint Arab action.

During the talks, the ministers emphasized the importance of continuous coordination to face current challenges, stressing the need to advance paths of stability and development in the region. This reflects the depth of brotherly ties and a mutual desire to elevate the level of diplomatic and political coordination between Damascus and Riyadh to broader horizons.

Photo : FB / Mofa - Syria

Central Bank Governor: Gold Reserves Provide 100% Coverage for Printed Currency
Damascus – February 9, 2026

The Governor of the Central Bank of Syria, Dr. Abdul Qader Al-Husariya, announced a significant financial milestone, stating that the value of the bank's gold reserves now covers the entire printed monetary mass by 100%.

Al-Husariya clarified that the current value of the gold holdings has surpassed the 42 trillion Syrian Pounds mark, which approximately equals the total value of the printed currency in circulation, thereby enhancing the Central Bank's financial solvency and supporting the stability of the national currency.

According to official statements, these reserves are estimated at approximately 26 tons of gold, assets that now serve as an economic safety valve against monetary challenges.

This announcement reflects the bank's strategy to strengthen precious assets and achieve a full balance between reserves and local liquidity. This critical technical indicator contributes to building confidence in the Syrian banking system and provides a solid foundation for future fiscal policies aimed at curbing inflation and improving purchasing power.

Photo - Media

Syrian Defense Minister Discusses Joint Cooperation with Turkish Ambassador in Damascus

Damascus – February 9, 2026

The Minister of Defense, Major General Engineer Murhaf Abu Qasra, received today at the ministry’s headquarters in Damascus the Turkish Ambassador to the Syrian Arab Republic, Mr. Nuh Yilmaz, and his accompanying delegation.

The meeting involved a comprehensive review of bilateral relations between the two countries, as well as discussions on ways to enhance joint cooperation in fields that serve mutual interests and contribute to consolidating regional security and stability.

Discussions between the two sides focused on developing coordination frameworks to face common challenges, emphasizing the importance of activating diplomatic and military channels to strengthen bilateral understandings.

Both sides expressed their aspirations to continue constructive dialogue to serve the aspirations of the two neighboring nations, a move that highlights the mutual desire to advance the path of cooperation and develop security strategies that ensure border protection and promote peace in the region.

Photo - X / Sy_Defense

AlUla Economic Summit: Saudi Fund for Development Discusses Developmental Cooperation with Syrian Finance Ministry

A significant developmental meeting took place in the historic city of AlUla between the CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development, Mr. Sultan Al-Marshad, and the Syrian Minister of Finance, Mr. Mohammad Yusr Barnieh, on the sidelines of the "AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies 2026.

" The meeting focused on exploring vital and future opportunities for developmental cooperation between the Fund and Syria, reflecting a growing interest in supporting infrastructure projects and sustainable development.

The discussions addressed ways to activate the developmental partnership to serve mutual economic goals, with both sides reviewing potential intervention areas to support the Syrian economy and stimulate growth in emerging markets.

The meeting emphasized the importance of continuous coordination to identify developmental priorities that contribute to economic and social stability, opening new horizons for technical and financial cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Syrian Arab Republic within the framework of regional efforts to support comprehensive development.

Photo - X / SaudiFund_Dev